Help with soft plugs (Yet more fun) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Truckboy · 07-05-2002, 04:12 PM

Okay, so I finally got a transmission in my '72 3/4 ton. It works and everything. Problem is when I put water back in the radiator, it ran out as fast as it went in!!! Apparently, the front plug on the drivers side is out. How does one go about replacing that thing. (I'm fairly mechanically challenged) I have a floor jack, jack stands and a pretty fair supply of wrenches. Is it something I can do at home, or should I pay a pro to do it. Thanks in advance.
Mark

oldyeller · 07-05-2002, 09:33 PM

you talking about the freeze plugs in the block below the heads, in the motor mount vicinity?

ebfabman · 07-05-2002, 09:53 PM

If you are talking about freeze plugs, I sure would not want to discourage you because this is not a real hard job but you might be better off to get some help on this one. Like maybe have an experienced mechanic replace them for you. I've seen them fall out and it always seems to happen at the worst time.

Do you know a mechanic or someone that has done it before that can do it while you watch or help you?

jlmtrout · 07-06-2002, 05:44 PM

I don't know if they are still available or not, but they used to make an expansion-type that have a rubber donut in them with a bolt in the center. As you tighten the bolt, the donut expands for a tight seal. I got mine from Auto Zone several years ago, had to ask for them at parts counter. If not, try to find a length of pipe and a pipe cap that fit the freeze plug as snugly as possible and drive it in with a hammer. (Don't get too happy with the hammer and drive it in too far, the edges should be flush with the outside of the block). Dig the old one out with a screwdriver or similar device and clean the opening before installation. If you use the drive in type, use a good waterproof gasket sealer. Good luck and keep on truckin'!--------Jerry

Longhorn Man · 07-06-2002, 05:52 PM

A socket on an extention works well too. you won't be pounding them very hard.

Truckboy · 07-07-2002, 08:22 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna try it sometime this week. It actually rained here today. Again, thanks.
Mark

07-05-2002, 04:12 PM	#1
Truckboy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Nebraska Posts: 251	Help with soft plugs (Yet more fun) Okay, so I finally got a transmission in my '72 3/4 ton. It works and everything. Problem is when I put water back in the radiator, it ran out as fast as it went in!!! Apparently, the front plug on the drivers side is out. How does one go about replacing that thing. (I'm fairly mechanically challenged) I have a floor jack, jack stands and a pretty fair supply of wrenches. Is it something I can do at home, or should I pay a pro to do it. Thanks in advance. Mark __________________ 70 c-10 72 c-20 85 Custom 1/2 ton (Former construction truck with 247,000 miles)

07-05-2002, 09:33 PM	#2
oldyeller Captain CAAAVVVMMMAAANNN! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Anna Texas Posts: 726	you talking about the freeze plugs in the block below the heads, in the motor mount vicinity? __________________ 72 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 350/350 97 GMC Yukon 4X4 SLT Anna, Texas check out the project old yeller

07-07-2002, 08:22 PM	#6
Truckboy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Nebraska Posts: 251	Thanks Thanks for the info. I'm gonna try it sometime this week. It actually rained here today. Again, thanks. Mark __________________ 70 c-10 72 c-20 85 Custom 1/2 ton (Former construction truck with 247,000 miles)

07-05-2002, 09:53 PM	#3
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,489	If you are talking about freeze plugs, I sure would not want to discourage you because this is not a real hard job but you might be better off to get some help on this one. Like maybe have an experienced mechanic replace them for you. I've seen them fall out and it always seems to happen at the worst time. Do you know a mechanic or someone that has done it before that can do it while you watch or help you?

07-06-2002, 05:44 PM	#4
jlmtrout Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Memphis, Tn Posts: 194	I don't know if they are still available or not, but they used to make an expansion-type that have a rubber donut in them with a bolt in the center. As you tighten the bolt, the donut expands for a tight seal. I got mine from Auto Zone several years ago, had to ask for them at parts counter. If not, try to find a length of pipe and a pipe cap that fit the freeze plug as snugly as possible and drive it in with a hammer. (Don't get too happy with the hammer and drive it in too far, the edges should be flush with the outside of the block). Dig the old one out with a screwdriver or similar device and clean the opening before installation. If you use the drive in type, use a good waterproof gasket sealer. Good luck and keep on truckin'!--------Jerry

07-06-2002, 05:52 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	A socket on an extention works well too. you won't be pounding them very hard.



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